Ryan Bertrand tells Southampton team-mates he is leaving

Bertrand, who joined Saints on loan initially before a permanent transfer two years ago has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League's best left-backs.

Bertrand is a solid all-rounder, having the defensive stability and also assaulting sensibility that Liverpool call for, while he is four years Milner's junior, with plenty left in the tank. This is one to keep an eye on as we approach the summer window.

Bertrand would be an interesting buy and would provide immediate competition to James Milner at left-back.

Bertrand, who started the Chelsea's 2012 Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich, left the Blues in search of regular first team football and has racked up over one hundred appearances since signing for Southampton nearly three years ago.

The report says the news has alerted Chelsea and Liverpool with the English heavy-weights now ready to go head-to-head over a deal to sign Bertrand this summer.

Chelsea and Liverpool are watching Bertrand's situation closely and the Blues are encouraged by the fact the defender still lives in the London area.

The Mirror believe that the Italian is keen to build on his wing-back options this summer, and Bertrand is on the list of potential targets. Jurgen Klopp may be looking to sign a left-back given that James Milner is now playing out of position, and Liverpool have a strong relationship with Southampton.

Liverpool have a long history of raiding Southampton with former Saints Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne all starters at Anfield.

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